Tag Archive for: work hard.

ORANGE SWIMMING AND DIVING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH WALLY LUTKUS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the first episode of the podcast series “Orange Swimming and Diving Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sat down with Wally Lutkus, the esteemed head swimming coach at Orange. With over five decades of coaching experience, Lutkus shared his insights on the evolution of swimming and the joys of coaching young athletes.

When asked about the changes he has witnessed in swimming over the last 60 years, Lutkus observed that today’s young swimmers seem less inclined to work hard compared to past generations. He attributed this change to the myriad of distractions and responsibilities that young individuals face in their daily lives.

One of the highlights of the conversation was Lutkus’s mention of his wife, who serves as his assistant coach. With an impressive swimming background, including being part of the American record-holding Cleveland Swim Club and the Pan Am team, she provides invaluable tips and guidance to the coaching duo. Their dedication to each individual swimmer, both in and out of the pool, ensures a holistic approach to training and development.

The interviewer asked what keeps Lutkus motivated after all these years. He simply stated that he genuinely enjoys coaching. Lutkus shared an anecdote about competing against former swimmers who now represent a rival team, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from preparing his team to overcome challenges and succeed. The commitment and hard work displayed by his current team is a testament to their determination and passion.

The conversation also touched on Lutkus’s diverse interests beyond coaching. He revealed that he played rugby for many years, even earning an award in his name as a freshman at Dartmouth College. His involvement with various individuals, including working with the son of renowned coach Frank Ryan, quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, has enriched his life and kept him engaged with the sports community.

Throughout the discussion, Lutkus emphasized the rewarding aspects of coaching young swimmers. Witnessing their improvement and seeing them excel in their chosen events brings him great fulfillment. One of his swimmers mentioned that Lutkis often impresses upon them the simple mantra “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me,” reminding them of their own responsibility in achieving success.

The first episode of “Orange Swimming and Diving Coach’s Corner” promises an engaging and insightful series featuring the experiences and wisdom of seasoned coach Wally Lutkus. Listeners can look forward to future episodes delving deeper into the world of swimming and diving in Orange.

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EAST PALESTINE BOYS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TRISTAN REYNOLDS

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast’s “Coach’s Corner”, Tristan Reynolds, the head coach of the East Palestine Bulldogs boys basketball team, sat down to discuss the team’s progress and his personal Thanksgiving favorites. As the Bulldogs embark on their second year under Reynolds’ leadership, there is a renewed sense of excitement surrounding the program.

Reynolds expressed his enthusiasm for the growing numbers of players in the basketball program. He attributed this success to the strong support from the community and the school. The coach spoke fondly about East Palestine’s basketball history, highlighting the team’s championship-winning years under the legendary Bingham.

When asked about his team’s prospects for the upcoming seasons, Reynolds emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic and a buy-in from his players. He praised the toughness of the athletes who also played football, believing it would translate into their basketball performances. The coach expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete and put on a show for their supporters.

Reynolds spoke highly of the players who will play key roles for the Bulldogs. Owen Yuriyuchi, the team’s captain, was commended for his versatility and leadership qualities. Shane Richardson, a senior returning after battling injuries last year, was identified as a player to watch. The coach also mentioned Kyler Bourne, the big man on the team, who has been working hard to improve his game. Additionally, Reynolds highlighted the potential of freshman RJ Mae, who brings a unique spark to the team.

The coach acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the younger classes but emphasized the importance of seizing the present moment. He encouraged his players to go after their goals with determination and effort, as no team will give them victories easily. Reynolds stressed the need to perform well against tough conference opponents, considering the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference as a formidable basketball league.

Looking beyond the conference games, the coach discussed the significance of non-conference matchups as important preparation for the end-of-season tournaments. East Palestine’s schedule includes games against Urban Scholars, Kingsway Christian, East Liverpool Christian, Springfield, and Lordstown.

In a departure from the basketball talk, Reynolds agreed to participate in a fantasy Thanksgiving draft with the podcast host. With his first pick, Reynolds surprised listeners by selecting his mother’s famous pepperoni rolls. He went on to choose buttered rolls, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry ginger ale to complete his Thanksgiving favorites.

As the interview wrapped up, Reynolds reflected on his growth as a head coach and the responsibilities that come with the position. He acknowledged that coaching at the varsity level involves more than just on-court strategy, as it requires representing the school and community.

In closing, Coach Reynolds expressed his gratitude for the support and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. With a promising basketball season ahead and a favorite Thanksgiving feast in mind, the Bulldogs and their dedicated coach are poised for success on and off the court.

 

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YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH

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BOARDMAN, OH- In this episode, we are thrilled to feature Faith Walston, a senior goalkeeper with an extraordinary talent for the sport. Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of how Faith stumbled into the role of a goalkeeper during her freshman year and went on to become one of the best in her area.

We’ll discuss the sacrifices she made, the challenges she faced, and her ambitions to break her school’s record for shutouts in a season. But being a goalie isn’t the only fascinating aspect of Faith’s life. We’ll also dive into her role as a leader, her favorite subject in school, her friendships, and the influence of her family.

So get ready to be inspired by Faith’s incredible story as we explore the life and career of this exceptional athlete.

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